[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 156 (Thursday, August 13, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43362-43363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21709]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 
Availability of Protocol for Surveying for the Endangered Cactus 
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl; Opening of Public Comment Period on Survey 
Protocol

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability; Opening of Public Comment Period.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in cooperation with 
the Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department), announces the 
availability for public comment of survey protocol for determining the

[[Page 43363]]

presence of the endangered cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium 
brasilianum cactorum) within known historic range of the species in 
Arizona. The proposed survey protocol comes in two versions depending 
on its use: the first is for use in determining if cactus ferruginous 
pygmy-owls are present on specific project sites where an activity is 
proposed; the second is for use in gathering information on 
distribution, occurrence, and numbers of pygmy-owls over more extensive 
areas of its historic range in Arizona. This proposed protocol is 
founded on procedures established by the Arizona Game and Fish 
Department in 1993. The current proposed protocol incorporates 
modifications found to be appropriate following the 5 years of field 
application. Differences between the 1993 protocol and the current 
proposed protocol include a reduction in the survey period from 9 
months (September through May) to 6 months (January through June); and 
an increase in surveys from one to three, with at least 30 days between 
each of the three surveys preferred, but a minimum of 15 days required. 
At least one survey must occur between February 15 and April 15. In 
reviewing determinations of pygmy owl presence or absence, the Service 
will require the implementation of the protocol for two consecutive 
years prior to actions that may impact the owls or their habitats.
    The existing protocol will remain in use (i.e., surveys from 
September through December this year will still be accepted through 
December 31, 1998). Use of the currently proposed protocol will be 
required from January 1, 1999, forward.
    The Service and Department will be submitting the protocol to 
recognized species and technical experts for peer review to ensure a 
scientifically sound basis for determination of the presence of the 
species within its known range.
    The Service and the Department will regularly review and modify, as 
necessary, the survey protocol to ensure that the best available 
scientific information is incorporated into the prescribed methodology.

DATES: Data and comments must be received by September 14, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Copies of this protocol may be obtained from the Field 
Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 2321 West Royal 
Palm Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85021. Coments and materials concerning 
the survey protocol should be sent to the Field Supervisor at the above 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Gatz, Acting Field Supervisor, 
Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, at the above address (602) 
640-2720.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl was listed by the Service as an 
endangered species in Arizona on March 10, 1997, based on extensive 
population declines within its historic range in the state. The pygmy-
owl, a small reddish-brown owl, nests in a cavity in a tree or large 
columnar cactus. The species was once common to abundant in riparian 
forests, mesquite-cottonwood woodlands, and desertscrub habitats in 
central and southern portions of the state. It is still considered a 
potential inhabitant of riparian areas, where this extremely limited 
vegetative community still occurs, and is found in upper Sonoran Desert 
habitats usually consisting of dense ironwood, mesquite, acacia, 
bursage, and saguaro cacti, with understory vegetation of smaller trees 
and shrubs.
    The Service is seeking additional information in order to more 
adequately understand the occurrence and biology of the cactus 
ferruginous pygmy-owl in central and southern Arizona. However, until 
more complete scientific information is available, the Service believes 
that continued use of the current survey protocol through December, 
1998, and use of the proposed protocol thereafter will provide the most 
biologically valid data upon which to determine habitat use and 
occupancy by the pygmy-owl.

Author

    The primary author of this document is Jennifer Fowler-Propst, 
Acting Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office (see 
ADDRESSES section).

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act (16 
U.S.C. 1532 et seq.).

    Dated: August 7, 1998.
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Acting Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 98-21709 Filed 8-12-98; 8:45 am]
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